Inertia switching

ABSTRACT

High speed switching of a track mounted moving vehicle from one direction to another is completed by a divert mechanism attached to the vehicle chassis. Four springs bias a divert arm of the divert mechanism into one of two stable positions. A cam wheel mounted to each side of the divert arm engages a divert ramp located alongside one rail of the track layout to switch the divert mechanism into a desired stable position. To change from one direction to another, the divert mechanism is switched into one of the stable positions and a divert wheel engages a divert plate that guides the vehicle into the desired direction. For fail-safe operation, a series of divert ramps are located around the track layout to direct the vehicle along a substantially straight path upon a power failure. These fail-safe divert ramps position the divert mechanism to a prearranged pattern.

United States Patent [1 1 1111 3,841,225

Johnson Oct. 15, 1974 INERTIA SWITCHING [75] Inventor: lvan E. Johnson, Richardson, Tex. 'm Exam" 1er Rben shendan Assistant ExammerD. W. Keen [73] Assignee: Docutel Corporation, Dallas, Tex. Atlorney, Agent, r Firm-Richards, Harris & 22 Filed: Nov. 1, 1971 Medkck 21 Appl. No.: 194,576

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 7,675, Feb. 2, 1970,

[57] ABSTRACT High speed switching of a track mounted moving vehicle from one direction to another is completed by a abandoneddivert mechanism attached to the vehicle chassis. Four springs bias a divert arm of the divert mechanism into [2%] P.S.CCII. 104/130,E l005/2l52R one of two stable positions. A cam wheel mounted to l 8] F l i lb 25/ each Side of the divert arm g g a divert p' [5 1 d Search 9 9 cated alongside one rail of the track layout to switch l 214/ 246/359 X the divert mechanism into a desired stable position. 56 R f d To change from one direction to another, the divert 1 e erences Cm mechanism is switched into one of the stable positions UNITED STATES PATENTS and a divert wheel engages a divert plate that. guides 1,504,705 8/1924 Olson.,.. 104/88 the vehicle into the desired direction. For fail-safe op- 1,900,602 3/1933 Gotthardt 104/88 eration, a series of divert ramps are located around 3,098,454 7/1963 Maestrelli l04/l30 the track layout to direct the vehicle along a ubstan- 3,156,193 11/1964 Anderson 104/88 tiany straight path upon a power fanura These 1 3 7:: safe divert ramps position the divert mechanism to 21 3,521,567 7/1970 Alimanestianu 104/88 prearranged'panem' 3,593,665 7/1971 Marty lO4/l30 3,628,462 12/1971 Holt 104/130 18 Clams l3 Drawmg '1 "Willis 1;;., illi- 5 1 il I o 0 O I i 28 6- Pmmmm 36%225 SHEU 10$ 5 l6 INVENTOR: Fig; 2 IVAN E. JOHNSON 7P 9 m/W ATTORNEY Pmmgwse 5222 INVENTORY IVAN E. JOHNSON PATENIEDUCT 1 51974 SHEET 3 OF 5 52/ FIG; 10'

INVENTOR: IVAN E. JOHNSON ATTORNEY PAIENTEU 001 1 51914 SHEET U 0F 5 1 INVENTOR: IVAN E. JOHNSON FIG. 9

ATTORNEY PNENEUN 1 1mm 19225 SHEEN Sn? 5 {5* i 7 K /34 I2 INVENTORZ m IVAN E. JOHNSON ATTORNEY INERTIA SWITCHING This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 7,675, filed Feb. 2, 1970 now abandoned.

This invention relates to vehicle guidance, and more particularly to inertia switching of a high speed, track mounted, vehicle.

Heretofore, to switch a high speed vehicle from movement along one direction to movement along a second direction, complicated and bulky moving-track arrangements were employed. In addition to the maintenance problems associated with these moving-track mechanisms, they are relatively slowmoving devices due to their size and weight. This seriously curtails the amount of traffic that can be carried by a track layout due to spacing requirements between vehicles to allow for movement of the switching mechanism. In addition to limiting the amount of traffic that can be carried on a track layout, the moving-track switching device necessitates careful vehicle surveillance to insure that a vehicle does not approach a change of direction location with the switch thrown in the wrong direction from the one desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide high speed switching of a moving vehicle. Another object of this invention is to provide a switching mechanism that uses vehicle inertia to change directions. Yet another object of this invention is to provide vehicle switching that minimizes interference with the flow of other vehicles around a track layout. Still another object of this invention is to provide a vehicle mounted switching mechanism. Yet another object of this invention is to provide fixed track switching of moving vehicles. A further object of this invention is to provide a fail-safe switching mechanism. 7

In accordance with the present invention, a wheeled vehicle-is guided around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations. A divert arm mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle is pivotally mounted and has two stable positions. A pair of divert wheels are attached to opposite sides of the divert arm in a position to engage the divert plates when the divert arm is in one of its two stable positions. To change the divert arm from one stable position to the other, a cam wheel is also mounted to each side of the divert arm. This wheel is arranged to engage the divert ramps located around the track layout.

In a more specific embodiment of this invention, a vehicle supported on a two-rail track by means of load bearing caster wheels is guided around the track layout by movable divert ramps that engage a divert mechanism pivotally mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle. At each change of direction location around the track layout, there is mounted a divert plate which engages a divert wheel as part of the divert mechanism. To change the direction of a moving vehicle at a change of direction location, the divert ramp at that location is activated to engage a cam wheel to switch the divert mechanism to the desired stable position. The desired stable position of the divert mechanism is that one which will cause the horizontal divert wheel to ensition that causes the vehicle to move along a straight path.

A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the specification and claims and from the accompanying drawings illustrative of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial of a baggage handling cart that is guided around a track layout by means of the divert mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cart illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the divert mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cart of FIG. 1 partially cutaway to illustrate the divert mechanism in one of its two stable positions;

FIG. 4 is also a front view of the cart of FIG. 1 partially cutaway to illustrate the divert mechanism in a position to change the cart direction;

FIG. 5 is a view of one of the bias springs for the divert mechanism taken along the line 55 of FIG. 2;

' FIG. 6 is a view of opposite bias spring for the divert mechanism taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the divert mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a track section showing the divert mechanism operation;

FIG. 9 is a side view of one form of a movable divert ramp;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the movable divert ramp of FIG. 9 with the ramp cutaway;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a cart passing a divert ramp location where the ramp is in a lowered position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a cart passing a divert ramp location where the ramp has been actuated to a raised position; and

FIG. 13 is a simplified track layout having change of direction locations each with a movable divert ramp and a fixed divert ramp.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a baggage handling cart 10 on a two-rail track layout 12. Motive power for the cart 10 is derived from linear induction motors 14 which are energized to provide forward thrust to the cart. Although only one cart is illustrated on the track layout 12, a complete system would include a number of the baggage handling carts. Each individual cart includes a slider plate (not shown) attached to the underside of the cart chassis. When the linear motor 14 is energized, it produces magnetic thrust, which when applied to the slider plate, provides forward movement to the cart 10.

To change the direction of travel of the cart 10 as it moves around the track layout 12, an inertia switching divert mechanism is mounted to the underside of the cart chassis. The switching mechanism is contained in the cart chassis instead of the track, so that no moving parts are required as part of the track. The only parts on the track layout 12 required for cart switching are the divert plates 11. This approach permits a single cart, moving at full speed, to be switched from the main line without interfering with the flow of the other carts.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the underside of the chassis for the cart 10 including the inertia switching divert mechanism. The chassis 16 may be a unitary cast construction that includes various mounting locations for the apparatus for supporting and guiding the cart. Mounted directly to the chassis 16 are four loadbearing caster wheels 18 which ride on top of the ,rails of the track 12. Also mounted directly to the chassis 16 are four capture wheels 20 which engage an angle plate under each of the rails of the track 12. In addition to the load-bearing and capture wheels, the slider plate 22;, shown partially cutaway, is also attached to the chassis 16. The slider plate 22 is attached to the chassis by means of four slider mounting brackets, two of which (24 and 26) are shown attached by means of machine screws.

The divert mechanism itself includes a divert arm 28 pivotally mounted along a longitudinal center axis of the chassis 16 by means of support brackets 30 and 32. Basically, the divert arm 28 has a rectangular outline with four divert wheels 34 located at the four corners of the rectangle. Each of the wheels 34 is attached to the divert arm 28 by means of wheel mounting brackets 36. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,, the divert wheels 34 are mounted on an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the divert arm at the point of attachment.

With the divert arm 28 mounted as illustrated and explained, it is free to pivot between the limits illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The two positions illustrated are defined as the two stable positions of the divert arm. To stabilize the divert arm into these two positions, four overcenter springs 38 are mounted to the chassis 16 at the four corners of the divert arm 28. These four springs provide a snap action to the divert arm 28 as it pivots between its two stable positions.

Referring to FIGS. and 6, there is shown in detail the spring biasing mechanisms for the divert arm 28. The solid line illustrates the divert arm in the position shown in FIG. 3 and the dotted line illustrates the position shown in FIG. 4. In particular, there is shown the spring biasing mechanism for the overcenter spring 38:! and the mechanism for the overcenter spring 38b. For the spring 38d, a spring hanger 144 attaches to the chassis l6 and an overcenter shaft 146 is rotatably mounted in the spring hanger. One end of the overcentei' spring 38d is held in position by the overcenter shaft 146. The shaft 146 includes a transverse aperture through which a rod 148 of a spring holder 150 is free to move. The holder 150 is coupled to the divert arm 28 by shaft 152. A similar mechanism is provided for the overcenter spring 38b. A spring hanger 154 attaches to the chassis l6 and carries a pivot shaft 156. Shaft 156 includes a transverse aperture through which a rod 158 of a holder 160 is free to move. The holder 160 attaches to the divert arm 28 by means of a shaft 162. Spring 38b is positioned between the shaft 156 and the holder 160.

In operation, as an upward force is exerted on a cam wheel 46, the springs 38b and 38d are compressed as the rods 158 and 148 pass through the shafts 156 and 146, respectively. The maximum compression of the springs 38b and 38d occurs when the respective shafts 158 and 148 are in a horizontal position. An upward force on the cam wheel 46 is required until this point.

After the holder 150 rotates to a position above the shaft 146 and the holder 160 rotates to a position below the shaft 156, the stored energy of the compressed spring causes the arm 28 to pivot to the dotted line position. The two stable positions of the arm 28 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. To switch the arm into the solid line position from the dotted line position, an upward force is exerted on a cam wheel 48 by a divert ramp. The action of the spring mechanisms is the same as described. It should be noted that four overcenter springs 38 are provided. The four springs tend to balance the forces exerted on the divert arm 28.

To dampen the motion of the divert arm 28, two dampers 44 are provided on each side of the arm, as

'shown in FIG. 3. Damper shafts 40, mounted to the divert arm 28, pass through the dampers 44 and engage the dampers when the divert arm is raised in the position shown by the dotted lines of FIG. 5.

As explained, the divert arm 28 snaps from one of its stable positions to the other by an upward force on the cam wheel 46 whichis fixed to one side of the divert arm and snaps to its second stable position by an upward force exerted on the cam wheel 48 which is fixed to the opposite side of the arm. The cam wheel 46 is attached to the divert arm by means of a cam horn 50 and the cam wheel 48 is attached to the divert arm by means of a cam horn 51.

The cam wheels 46 and 48 cause the divert arm 28 to snap between its two stable positions by engaging a divert ramp positioned alongside one rail of the track 12. Referring again to FIG. 3 and assuming the cart 10 is moving into the plane of the paper, the cam wheel 46 approaches a divert ramp 52 which has been extended to engage the wheel. As the wheel engages the ramp 52, an upward force is exerted to compress the springs 38c and 38d to cause the divert arm 28 to rotate to its second stable position, as illustrated in FIG. 4. With the divert arm 28 in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, the divert wheels 34 located on the right side of the cart 10 will engage a divert plate 54 attached to the rail 12R. In this position, the divert wheel 34 will guide the cart 10 in the direction of the divert plate 54.

The operation of divert mechanism is better understood by referring to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 7 and 8. A divert arm 56 is pivotally mounted to a chassis 58 along a longitudinal axis in a direction parallel to rails 60 and 62 of a track layout. The chassis 58 is supported on the rails 60 and 62 by caster wheels 64 and 66. Note, the caster wheels are not flanged, but run on the flat upper surface of the supporting rails. Thus, the rails 60 and 62 do not actually guide a vehicle as in the case of a flanged wheel.

Also attached to the chassis 58 are capture wheels 68 and 70 which engage angular portions of the rails 60 and 62, respectively. These capture wheelsv basically serve the same purpose as flanges in the usual construction of support wheels for a track mounted vehicle. They maintain the caster wheels 64 and 66 properly positioned on the rails 60 and 62.

With the divert arm 56 in the position shown, a divert wheel 72a is in engagement with a divert plate 74 attached to the rail 62. In this position, and with the vehicle moving in the direction of the arrow 76, of FIG. 8, the divert wheels 72a and 72b will pull the vehicle from the main track section 78 to the spur track section 80. Note that with the wheels 72a and 72b in engagement with the divert plate 74, the divert wheels 82a and 82b, attached to the left side of the divert arm 56, will pass over the divert plate 84 attached to the left rail of the main track section 78.

After the vehicle has passed the divert plate 74, the divert arm 56 will remain in the stable position illus trated until the cam wheel 87 engages a divert ramp at some other location along the track layout.

If instead of approaching the track section of FIG. 8 with the divert arm 56 in the position shown, the divert arm was in its second bistable position, the divert wheels 82a and 82b would engage the divert plate 84. In this situation, the divert wheels 72a and 72b will pass over the divert plate 74 and the cart continues to move along the main track section 78. By employing the divert plate 84 at a change of direction location, the vehicle is positively guided in the desired direction.

A vehicle will move around a track layout changing directions where desired by means of the divert wheels engaging a divert plate. Whether a cart will move to the left or right depends on whether the right divert wheels or the left divert wheels are inthe lower of the stable positions. If the right wheels are in the lower position, the cart will move to the right, and if the left divert wheels are in the lower position, the cart will move to the left. The direction of the diversion depends on the position of the divert arm which is controlled by divert ramps positioned alongside the track layout, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a side view and top view of the divert ramp 52. A ramp 86 (partially cutaway in FIG. is rotatably mounted to vertical side plates 88 and 90 by means of a shaft 92. The ramp 86 includes a depending web member 94 having an elongated slot 96 formed therein. A roller 98 is retained to move in the slot 96 at the end of a push arm 100. The push arm is rotatably supported by the side plates 88 and 90 on a shaft 102 and coupled to a push rod 104 by means of a clevis 106. The push rod 104 connects to a piston (not shown) as part of a double acting cylinder 108. Cylinder 108 is mounted to a base plate 110 by a shaft 116 supported by foot brackets 112 and 114. The entire structure of the side plates 88 and 90 and the ramp 86 are mounted to the base plate 110.

Air pressure for operating the cylinder 108 is supplied through flexible hoses 118 and 120 to the front and rear, respectively, of the cylinder. Control of the air pressure to the cylinder 108 is by means of a solenoid valve 122 mounted to the base plate 110 and selectively energized from a central control station (not shown) which may include a computer. The solenoid valve 122 connects to a source of air pressure through a tube 123.

In operation, the divert ramp of FIGS. 9 and 10 is located adjacent one rail of a track layout as illustrated by the divert ramp 52 in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the control station calls for the divert arm 28 to be switched from the position illustrated in FIG. 3 to that illustrated in FIG. 4, an energizing signal actuates the solenoid 122. Actuating the solenoid 122 opens a valve to connect a source of air pressure (not shown) to the front chamber of the cylinder 108 through the hose 118. This causes pressure to build up in the front chamber of the cylinder 108 to force the piston rod 104 into a fully retracted position. Retracting the piston rod 104 rotates the push arm 100 clockwise around the shaft 102 thereby causing the roller 98 to be forced up and forward in the elongated slot 96. The roller 98 rotates in an arc about the shaft 102 and thus raises the ramp 86 to an extended position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As the cam wheel 46 engages the extended ramp 86, it produces an upward force against the springs 38c and 38d to switch the divert arm 28 into the stable position illustrated in FIG. 4.

After the cart 10 has passed the location of the divert ramp 52, the solenoid 122 is de-energized from the central station thereby applying air pressure to the rear chamber of the cylinder 108 and venting the front chamber. This causes a pressure buildup in the rear chamber thereby pushing the platon rod 104 to its fully extended position. The ramp 86 is retracted to the position illustrated in FIG. 9 by action of the push arm and the roller 98.

Referring to FIGS. 1-1 and 12, there is shown a side view of a cart 10 as it passes the divert ramp 52. When the solenoid valve 122 is de-energized, the ramp 52 will be in a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 11. As the cart 10 moves past a retracted divert ramp, the cam wheel 46 passes over the ramp 86 and the divert arm 28 remains in one of its stable positions.

Upon receiving an energizing signal from the control station, the solenoid valve 122 applies air pressure to the cylinder 108 to raise the ramp 86 to the position illustrated in FIG. 12. As the cart 10 now approaches the divert ramp 52, the cam wheel 46 engages the ramp 86 and the divert arm 28 is rotated from one stable position to the other. If the divert arm 28 had been in its second stable position as it approached the divert ramp 52 of FIG. 12, the cam wheel 46 would clear the ramp 86. In this case the arm 28 would have been in the desired position arid no' switching was required.

In addition to positionable divert ramps, a track layout also includes fixed ramps for curve track sections and for fail-safe operation. Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a simplified track layout including six change of direction locations. The divert ramps 124 through 127 are fixed ramps that always cause the divert arm 28 to rotate to one of the stable positions as a result of passing these ramps. Fixed ramp 126 is required to guide a vehicle around the curve 128. On the inside of each curve in the track layout, there is located a divert plate to guide the vehicle around the curve. Fixed ramps 124, and 127 are for the purpose of fail-safe operation of the track system. Upon the occurrence of a malfunction in the system, such as a power failure, all the movable ramps are retracted and the fixed ramps set the divert arms of the various vehicles such that they would proceed along a straight path, where possible. For example, if a power failure occurs as a vehicle is approaching the change, of direction location 130, the cam wheel on the right side of the vehicle engages the fixed ramp 124 to cause the divert wheels on the left side of the vehicle to be in the lower of two positions to engage a divert plate along the straight track section. As the vehicle continues to coast to the change of direction 132, the fixed ramp 125 engages the left cam wheel of the vehicle to cause the right divert wheels to engage a divert plate on the straight through track section. If the vehicle is still moving as it approaches the change of direction location 134, the left cam wheel of the vehicle will engage the fixed ramp 127 to cause the right divert wheel to engage a divert plate on the straight through track section. As the vehicle approaches the change of direction location 136, the divert wheel on the right side of the vehicle is positioned to engage the divert plate at the straight through track section and a fixed ramp is not required. Thus, when a change of direction location follows a change in the same direction, a fixed divert ramp is not required for the second location for fail-safe operation.

track layout as set forth in claim 1 including means for mechanically biasing said divert arm into the two stable positions thereof.

track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprisingz.

To divert a moving vehicle from a straight through direction at any of the change of direction locations, a positionable divert ramp is required. For the track layout of FIG. 13, the divert ramps 138 through 142 are positionable. To change a moving vehicle from a straight through direction at any of the direction locations, the solenoid valve of the appropriate divert ramp is energized to cause the ramp to be extended, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible.

What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising:

actuating means attached to said divert arm to engage said divert ramps to rotate the divert arm to -one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.

2. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a 3. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a a divert arm mounted to the undercarriage of said vehicle and having two stable positions,

first divert means attached to one side of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions,

second divert means attached to the opposite side of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second of the two stable positions,

actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change said divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and

biasing means including at least one spring at each side of said divert arm for biasing said arm into the stable positions thereof.

4. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a 5. In a transportation system wherein wheeled vehicles travel around a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising:

a plurality of divert plates attached to said track, one of said plates positioned at each of the change of direction locations,

a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent said tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a divert plate at the change of direction locations,

a divert arm rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of each of said vehicles along a longitudinal axis thereof and having two stable positions,

first divert means attached to one end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions,

second divert means attached to the opposite end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second of the two stable positions, and

actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicles.

6. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 5 wherein the plurality of divert ramps are divided into a fixed ramp group and an adjustable ramp group, the adjustable ramp group being positionable to engage said divert means upon being actuated by a control signal.

7. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 6 wherein each adjustable ramp includes means responsive to a control signal to extend a ramp to a divert position.

8. A transportation system wherein wheeled vehicles move around a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising:

a plurality of divert plates attached to said track, one of said plates positioned at each of the change of direction locations,

a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent set tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a divert plate at the change in direction locations,

a divert arm rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of each of said vehicles along a longitudinal axis thereof and having two stable positions,

first divert means attached to one end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions,

second divert means attached to the opposite end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second and the two stable positions,

actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the stable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and

a fail-safe ramp at each change of direction location where a vehicle may move in one of two directions, said fail-safe ramp engaging said actuating means to cause said vehicle to continue along a straight path on a failure of a control signal source.

9. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising:

a divert arm having an outline in the general shape of a rectangle and rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of said vehicle along a longitudinal axis thereof,

a divert wheel attached at each corner of the divert arm,

means for biasing said divert arm into one of two stable positions, and

actuator means mounted on each side of said divert arm, said actuator means positioned to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending upon the desired direction for the wheeled vehicle.

10. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 9 wherein said biasing means includes at least one spring at each end of said divert arm.

11. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 10 including damper means connected between said divert arm and the undercarriage of said vehicle to stabilize said divert arm as it rotates from one stable position to the other.

12. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising:

a first-divert wheel having two stable positions at one side of the undercarriage of said vehicle in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions,

a second divert wheel having two stable positions at the opposite end of the undercarriage of said vehicle from said first divert wheel in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions,

support means for mounting said first and second divert wheels to the undercarriage of said vehicle and interconnect the movement of said wheels between the two stable positions thereof,

a first actuator carried by said support means on the side of the vehicle undercarriage as said first divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof, for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and

a second actuator carried by said support means on the side of the vehicle undercarriage as said second divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof, for engaging divert ramps of said track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.

13. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 12 wherein:

said first actuator engages the divert ramps to change the second divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position, and

said second actuator engages the divert ramp to change the first divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position.

14. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 12 wherein:

said first actuator extends from said support means in a direction away from the center of the vehicle undercarriage, and

said second actuator extends from said support means in a direction away from the center of the vehicle undercarriage.

15. In a transportation system including a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising:

divert plates positioned around said track layout at each change of direction location,

a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent said tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a change of direction location,.and

a wheeled vehicle including:

a. a first divert wheel having two stable positions at one side of the undercarriage of said vehicle in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions,

b. a second divert wheel having two stable positions at the opposite side of the undercarriage of said vehicle from said first divert wheel in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions,

0. support means for mounting said first and second divert wheels to the undercarriage of said vehicle and interconnect the movement thereof between the two stable positions,

d. a first actuator carried by said support means on the side of said undercarriage as said first divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and

e. a second actuator carried by said support means on the side of said undercarriage as said second divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.

16. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 including a fail-safe ramp at each change of direction location of the track layout where a vehicle may move in one of two directions, said fail-safe ramp selectively engaging said first actuator and said second actuator to cause the wheeled vehicle to continue along a straight path upon a failure of a control signal source.

17. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 wherein:

said first actuator of the wheeled vehicle engages said divert ramps to change the second divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position, and

said second actuator of the wheeled vehicle engages said divert ramps to change the first divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position.

18. in a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said divert ramps include means for actuating said ramp from a position of nonengagement with said first and second actuators to a position of engagement with said actuators. 

1. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising: a divert arm rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of said vehicle along a longitudinal axis thereof and having two stable positions, divert means attached to one side of said divert arm in a position to engage a selected arrangement of said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions, second divert means attached to the opposite side of said divert arm in a position to engage another selected arrangement of said divert plates with the arm in the second of the two stable positions, and actuating means attached to said divert arm to engage said divert ramps to rotate the divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.
 2. Apparatus for guidIng a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 1 including means for mechanically biasing said divert arm into the two stable positions thereof.
 3. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising: a divert arm mounted to the undercarriage of said vehicle and having two stable positions, first divert means attached to one side of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions, second divert means attached to the opposite side of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second of the two stable positions, actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change said divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and biasing means including at least one spring at each side of said divert arm for biasing said arm into the stable positions thereof.
 4. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 3 wherein said actuating means includes a cam mounted to said divert arm to force said arm from one stable position to the other when engaging one of said divert ramps.
 5. In a transportation system wherein wheeled vehicles travel around a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising: a plurality of divert plates attached to said track, one of said plates positioned at each of the change of direction locations, a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent said tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a divert plate at the change of direction locations, a divert arm rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of each of said vehicles along a longitudinal axis thereof and having two stable positions, first divert means attached to one end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions, second divert means attached to the opposite end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second of the two stable positions, and actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicles.
 6. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 5 wherein the plurality of divert ramps are divided into a fixed ramp group and an adjustable ramp group, the adjustable ramp group being positionable to engage said divert means upon being actuated by a control signal.
 7. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 6 wherein each adjustable ramp includes means responsive to a control signal to extend a ramp to a divert position.
 8. A transportation system wherein wheeled vehicles move around a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising: a plurality of divert plates attached to said track, one of said plates positioned at each of the change of direction locations, a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent set tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a divert plate at the change in direction locations, a divert arm rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of each of said vehicles along a longitudinal axis thereof and having two stable positions, first divert means attached to one end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in one of the two stable positions, second divert means attached to the opposite end of said divert arm in a position to engage said divert plates with the arm in the second and the two stable positions, actuating means to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the stable positions depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and a fail-safe ramp at each change of direction location where a vehicle may move in one of two directions, said fail-safe ramp engaging said actuating means to cause said vehicle to continue along a straight path on a failure of a control signal source.
 9. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising: a divert arm having an outline in the general shape of a rectangle and rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of said vehicle along a longitudinal axis thereof, a divert wheel attached at each corner of the divert arm, means for biasing said divert arm into one of two stable positions, and actuator means mounted on each side of said divert arm, said actuator means positioned to engage said divert ramps to change the divert arm to one of the bistable positions depending upon the desired direction for the wheeled vehicle.
 10. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 9 wherein said biasing means includes at least one spring at each end of said divert arm.
 11. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 10 including damper means connected between said divert arm and the undercarriage of said vehicle to stabilize said divert arm as it rotates from one stable position to the other.
 12. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout having divert ramps and divert plates arranged at change of direction locations, comprising: a first divert wheel having two stable positions at one side of the undercarriage of said vehicle in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions, a second divert wheel having two stable positions at the opposite end of the undercarriage of said vehicle from said first divert wheel in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions, support means for mounting said first and second divert wheels to the undercarriage of said vehicle and interconnect the movement of said wheels between the two stable positions thereof, a first actuator carried by said support means on the side of the vehicle undercarriage as said first divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof, for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and a second actuator carried by said support means on the side of the vehicle undercarriage as said second divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof, for engaging divert ramps of said track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.
 13. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 12 wherein: said first actuator engages the divert ramps to change the second divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position, and said second actuator engages the divert ramp to change the first divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position.
 14. Apparatus for guiding a wheeled vehicle around a track layout as set forth in claim 12 wherein: said first actuator extends from said support means in a direction away from the center of the vehicle undercarriage, and said second actuator extends from said support means in a direction away from the center of the vehicle undercarriage.
 15. In a transportation system including a track layout having change of direction locations, the combination comprising: divert plates positioned around said track layout at each change of direction location, a plurality of divert ramps positioned adjacent said tracks, one of said ramps located preceding a change of direction location, and a wheeled vehicle including: a. a first divert wheel having two stable positions at one side of the undercarriage of said vehicle in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions, b. a second divert wheel having two stable positions at the opposite side of the undercarriage of said vehicle from said first divert wheel in a position to engage said divert plates when in one of two stable positions, c. support means for mounting said first and second divert wheels to the undercarriage of said vehicle and interconnect the movement thereof between the two stable positions, d. a first actuator carried by said support means on the side of said undercarriage as said first divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending on the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle, and e. a second actuator carried by said support means on the side of said undercarriage as said second divert wheel and movable therewith between the two stable positions thereof for engaging divert ramps of the track layout depending upon the desired direction of the wheeled vehicle.
 16. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 including a fail-safe ramp at each change of direction location of the track layout where a vehicle may move in one of two directions, said fail-safe ramp selectively engaging said first actuator and said second actuator to cause the wheeled vehicle to continue along a straight path upon a failure of a control signal source.
 17. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 wherein: said first actuator of the wheeled vehicle engages said divert ramps to change the second divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position, and said second actuator of the wheeled vehicle engages said divert ramps to change the first divert wheel into a divert plate engaging position.
 18. In a transportation system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said divert ramps include means for actuating said ramp from a position of nonengagement with said first and second actuators to a position of engagement with said actuators. 